Erina appreciated all the birthday wishes, she did. But as the day came closer and closer to the end...

"Nothing." She muttered under her breath, quickly having swiped through her notifications. She fiddled with her baby blue button-up. Maybe he was just busy. He had forgotten to charge his phone or he had back-to-back meal services where taking a break wasn't an option. She wasn't sure what she preferred, but busy was only minimally better than entirely forgotten. The memory of how her person flopped like a flimsy newspaper when he didn't say anything to her a couple of years back came back to mind. Her birthday was the only guaranteed time he'd speak to her; as the rest of their communications were sporadic, all dependent on his preferred whims. Maybe it would've bothered her less if he just reached out more often. She was pathetic, wasn't she?

She stepped out of her car, smoothing out the wrinkles on her navy pencil skirt and moving forward after the sound of her car lock. Erina could look forward to her pre-recorded shoujo to watch. Her birthday having landed on a Tuesday that year made it best that she didn't drink or go out. Birthday or not, the work week didn't halt for her. Much to Alice's chagrin, she wasn't in the spirit to party like her cousin wanted her to. Erina hadn't seen or heard from Yukihira in ages and she didn't want her drunk self to wallow. She was an embarrassing drunk to say the least, especially because the food-to-drink ratio during celebrations was not the best and she got tipsy fast. Admitting her yearning was not ideal, because then her cousin would insist again that she do something about it. Alice was too optimistic.

Erina entered the elevator and typed her password, letting her ride upwards to her penthouse suite. 26 floors. Why had she chosen a penthouse? The length of the elevator ride was not worth it. Not at all. Short greetings exchanged with those who had gotten on from the ground floor, Erina had to recede into her thoughts to drown out the conversations between other building residents while fiddling with the button on her cuff. She was in a bad mood. It got worse as her thoughts had just zeroed in on him. Stupid man. It was frustrating that even though Erina had admitted to herself talking to him wasn't so bad as she got to know him back in high school, she still had moments where she reverted to early freshmen year behavior. Times when that mere thought of him brought frequent scowls to her face.

Screw him, she thought as she pinched the bridge of her nose. The loud occupancy of silence experienced when one was completely alone got her present enough to exit the elevator. God, it would have been terrible if she was so preoccupied that she traveled all the way back down.

He was the worst.

She, however, was not present enough when she entered her home. She tripped upon her entry; only caught herself by having braced against the wall. Erina looked down. Brown chef clogs—Birkenstock Londons to be specific, with buckles flipped over by her feet.

"What's with the buckles?"

"I don't know, I thought they were nice."

"They're cute, I like them. Thanks, Nakiri."

Erina hated how excitement thrummed throughout her entire body, her pulse quickening.

"I have a shoe closet, you know." She said as she kicked off her own clogs, slipped into her indoor shoes, and picked up the two pairs of footwear to put them in said closet. The lack of response spun her excitement into anxiety; skidding against the hardwood floor of her hallway in her slippers was not ideal—but where was he? Erina cursed her large home, why did she have to speed walk to get to her kitchen in a short time? Why was she speed walking?! It was when she slowed down at the end of the hall leading up to her living room and open kitchen that she registered the sound of running water. When she peered around the wall that blocked her view she sucked in a breath at the sight of the man with spiky red hair that leaned over her sink. He was wearing the white t-shirt and blue jeans ensemble, the adult wardrobe preference of his, along with his signature white bandana tied around his head.

Yukihira Soma was in her home, washing the dishes.

Hold on, why was he washing the dishes? What dishes were there to be washed, Erina was never one of uncleanliness! She leaned her body further past the wall, gripping the corner as she scanned her kitchen. From her vantage point, she could see an array of ingredients and kitchen tools. There was an abundance of strawberries, her electric mixer plugged in, empty piping bags, et cetera. Was he making her a cake? Her smile couldn't be contained, but it wasn't as if she put any legitimate effort to do so. The oven timer beeped, jolting Erina who whipped back around the corner away, pressed against the wall. She tried to compose herself and took deep breaths. Erina didn't want to come off as too excited, that would be pathetic.

"I was gonna make a test batch but looks like I don't need to do that anymore."

Huh?

"Nakiri?" Yukihira called out, confusion was evident. Ack! He noticed her! Erina's hand flew to her mouth and she froze; which was just foolish but she ended up doing it anyway. "Whatcha doin'?" Her head jerked towards the sound of his voice—finding him right beside her, leaning against the wall.

Erina cleared her throat, "I was checking to see who dared to intrude on my home."

"Yeah? And once you saw who the intruder was you kept hiding?" Yukihira asked, making air quotes for the word intruder. That tone of his that bled in amusement got her flushed; if she could rewind time she would—because somehow Erina always gave him fodder to tease her!

"How is it that you were able to break into my home?" Is what she said instead.

"Oh yeah, I should probably explain." Yukihira spun on his heel and walked back to his setup in her kitchen.

"Probably? You must!" Said Erina, trailing right behind him. Yukihira dug into his pocket and pulled out a copy of her keycard and a small sheet of paper containing the passwords for access to her suite. "What is this, how did you? What?!"

"I asked Arato to mail me these so I could surprise you, so—" A gift was in order to be sent to Hisako, no one was better than her best friend and former aide when it came to planning ahead. Yukihira rounded her kitchen island and faced her, arms spread over the collection of kitchen utensils and ingredients that were in various stages of preparation. "Surprise!"

Erina cocked an eyebrow, "All I see is a dissembled mess."

"Well, I gotta put it together first, hold on." He replied, turning away from her to work with a pan on the stove. Now that she was closer she saw more of the ingredients: strawberry purée, mascarpone cream, meringues…and what was fresh out of the oven. Perfected lightly golden brown tart crusts in a three-by-four pan. So that's what it was.

How... "Boring. Do you think you can satisfy my palette with a mont blanc cake? Made with strawberry of all things?" There were no signs of any out-of-pocket ingredients, techniques, anything that yelled "Yukihira Soma" in what she saw. But there wasn't an immediate answer to her words, just the sounds of the pan sizzling. Well then. Erina stood on the tips of her toes, doing so to see properly over his shoulder. But all it was his stirring of caramel in the saucepan, truly, is that it?

"I'm going to need you to move back a bit Nakiri, so I don't spill this," Yukihira said as he turned off the stove. She did as asked, stepping backward while he grabbed a small saucer and poured the caramel into it. Hands on her hips, Erina waited to see him provide her with something further enticing. Yukihira looked at her and gave her a snort. "Nakiri go wait on the couch, it'll be ready in just a bit, I promise I won't disappoint." He said with a wink.

Erina huffed and left sharply, taking a seat in her living room. But soon she had already started to crane her neck and got upright on her knees to peek behind her maroon couch. Unfortunately, he took everything out of her line of sight; constructing the dessert on the counter with his back to her. She clicked her tongue and turned to sit back down. It was initially supposed to be a surprise, after all, she can be patient.

Yukihira found his way to her about ten minutes later with a silver tray of the mont blanc cakes and tea, which he placed on the table gently. Erina sat up straighter as she eyed the desserts while he presented her with one on a small plate. The appearance was simple, just a whipped peak of the strawberry cream with the fruit itself sliced in two on top - what was the dessert hiding?

"Sorry to keep your waiting your highness," he said, laughing when she practically snatched the cake close. Everything she did seemed to entertain him, even years later. Recognizing he meant no harm was something she had no choice but to admit in her early twenties along with admitting that Yukihira was plenty fond of her - but the latter got her hopes up. How fond of her was he really? She wasn't sure. He then plopped down beside her with a treat in hand but instead of taking a bite, he turned towards her and stared. Waiting.

Focus, Erina. You need to find flaws in this cake.

Once a commoner, always a commoner. The commoner probably didn't see the point of finding her pastry forks as the mont blancs could just be eaten by hand. She would be scolding him on proper etiquette later as there were more pressing matters at the time. Erina took a small bite or attempted to of the miniature dessert. It didn't matter, her vain efforts to keep herself in check flew out the window. In mere moments it was only crumbs left on her plate. How improper! Glancing at him she found Yukihira smiling, leaning in after he finished off his own cake.

"Good, ain't it? I was in France with Momo-senpai, got her to help me brush up on my baking skills." He said, obviously proud of himself. Erina pushed his face away from her and coughed, cheeks warm.

"I didn't say that! Of course, Akanegakubo-san would help you, everyone has a soft spot for you." She said as she went to get another mont blanc. It was when Erina settled back into her seat that Yukihira took the opportunity to throw his arm behind her onto the couch and ask,

"Everyone including you?"

Erina flinched almost dropping the treat. This man was so bold! Her face lit up in hotter flames,

"Just pour me a cup of tea, you haven't even done that already!" Asking that of him allowed her some space as he poured her a cup after. She took a bite of her second mont blanc in the meantime, eyes closed as she savored the taste. The balance of flavors was immaculate; strawberry cream followed by black sesame paste and a dollop of caramel had harmony together packed in the small dessert. All these years of training created a flavor that brought the feeling of a trained performer on a tightrope. She appreciated the hints in the caramel, "White miso," she says as she opens her eyes and sees his grin get wider.

"Yep, that tongue of yours never fails. Here," Yukihira presents her with the steaming mug of tea with a flowery scent that wafted up informing her that it was a white tea. Erina took a sip and let out a content sigh, it paired well with the strawberry. Just like him being here, with her.


"I thought you forgot this year..." Teacups dried and plates scraped clean, Erina had her feet tucked right underneath her as she sat. Making her smaller, as she acknowledged her earlier fear. Yukihira tugged her in and rubbed her shoulder.

"Oh man, my bad—I could've sent you something and still surprised you, huh?" They don't get this physically close often, he isn't one for tactile comfort but he did it so naturally. Maybe he was being kind because it was her birthday. Erina took whatever she got. She let out a slow exhale.

"Yes, you could've." Erina may have said this but he's already done enough. She'll treasure this memory, this moment that will most likely stay fleeting.

"I make sure not to forget nowadays ya know? 'Cause I remember how sad you got that one time!" He said with a chuckle.

"I'd like to deny that but it's pointless with you, isn't it? It's alright however, it is merely a birthday after all—also you made it up later anyhow." She admitted as she toyed with the hem of her skirt, not looking at him. Why was she like this?

Yukihira squeezed her shoulder and she looked up to be met with a serious expression, "Well I still felt bad about it, so now I'll always try to celebrate it somehow, okay?"

"Sure. We'll see about you fulfilling that promise." Erina bit the inside of her cheek, to keep herself grounded. She can't make herself seem easy, smiling now.

He took her hand and brought it up to his mouth, "I will, I'll make sure of it," and kissed the back of it.

At the time she was sure to have given him an unflattering expression; with her jaw unhinged, her eyes popped out of their sockets and her brows having reached her hairline. He later claimed it was cute, even though it was extremely amusing to him that her expression stayed that way for a while as if it was a real-life freeze frame.

Huh?

HUH?

HUUUH?!

A k-k-kiss?! On her hand, sure, but a kiss nonetheless! Stay calm Erina, stay calm! That was the mantra she repeated in her head. You're now a 27-year-old woman! What was his angle?

"This is uncharacteristic for you. Is this your way of trying to gain my favor?" Erina asked, proud of herself for keeping her voice from shaking. She didn't want to get her hopes up. Being swept up in his pace was far too normal, what could be monumental to her could be just a passing thought to him.

"Yeah, is it working?" He asked. Yukihira then promptly got right into her face, nose bumping onto hers, "Wanna do more though, if I think I know what you want from me, Nakiri." He punctuated his sentence with a look at her lips. Hope surged through her.

"Are you saying you could give me something else to compensate for your offense?" She asked in a low tone.

"Oh? Didn't know ya found it offensive.." Voice just as low, Yukihira's words caressed her skin like light wisps of smoke.

The nod she made in response had Erina's nose brushing his, "Yes. So why haven't you compensated me already?"

Yukihira Soma had really soft lips.

But it was over in no time, she wasn't allowed to savor it because he was already pulling back with a bashful grin, "Did I make it up to you yet?"

That did not last long enough! He was blushing too, rubbing his nose like he even did anything worthwhile!

"Why are you embarrassed? You kiss a woman shamelessly and you barely make it count, that was certainly not enough," said Erina as if she wasn't just as bashful because it was their first kiss after all.

"Is that really how you should be asking for another kiss?" He gave her a look, which she just upturned her nose at.

"It's my birthday."

"That's fair," Hand clasped on the back of her neck Yukihira tugged her towards him, "just gotta keep being shameless for you right?"

"Correct," Erina replied.

So he kissed her properly and finally started to get it right; he was to give her everything and then some. To light up her fire and keep the embers glowing so she could give him all her warmth. Their lips moved together seamlessly as if it had been part of a routine they'd been doing for years. It was nice, but almost not enough, that was until Yukihira dropped his hands to her hips and pulled her into his lap. With her hands landing on his chest to catch her fall Erina also gasped, which he took immediate advantage of—slipped his tongue in her mouth and swallowed the embarrassing sound she let out. The taste of earlier's mont blanc was mixed with a unique flavor, one Erina never had the privy to before this. It was the taste of him, of Yukihira Soma, electrifying to her sensitive palate.

That day she also learned her tongue was sensitive in other ways; experiencing dizzying pleasure as he caressed her tongue deliberately, sucked on it, and got her to keen. But she still desired to get closer. Throwing her arms around him was a delayed reflex; Erina wanted to embrace him the moment she saw him. That was how it should be. Should've been already! Erina felt Yukihira's smile, which was followed by him adjusting his hold, wrapping his arms around her waist, and tugging her somehow even closer.

"My breasts are getting smushed, Yukihira-kun.."

"Is it uncomfortable?" He mumbled on her mouth, he was insistent on keeping them attached—not that she was much opposed to it.

"Not really,"

"Cool, 'cause it feels nice,"

Erina pushed away from him, her face a hot cayenne, "You are so shameless!"

"I know, you said that already," Yukihira said as kissed the underside of her jaw, most likely because she insisted on speaking.

She jolted as he licked behind her lobe, "Don't open your mouth, it's a Tuesday!"

"Huh? Nakiri what are you talking about?" He asked, laughing.

Hearing his words and laughter in her ear she didn't mind getting used to it, though he didn't need to make fun of her. "No marks, it is inappropriate. I'd like to avoid having to cover them up with a concealer," Erina replied, of course, he would be irresponsible like that.

"So Friday nights and Saturdays are good?" Yukihira asked as he then kissed down her throat and pulled her back into his lap. Shameless. Oh, what has she wrapped herself into?

"That was implied…" Her cheeks were still warm so she hid them against his neck.

"Nice, nice. It's cute how shy you are about this—" Erina grabbed his face and silenced him with another kiss.


They both caught their breaths quietly as they recovered. She patted down her hair and adjusted her clothing, to be somewhat presentable as she both felt and was literally ruffled.

"So, I definitely made it up to you, yeah?" Yukihira asked, grin cheeky, as he was satisfied with his work.

"Hmph! Barely!" Erina then took a moment, thinking that maybe she should let herself be more straightforward with him. While she drew random patterns on his chest she made her, well, demand, "You shall make it up to me like this for the foreseeable future."

Yukihira rubbed her lower back, "What the lady wants, I'll give. Even if she's super greedy to get kissed."

"G-greedy?! I'll have you know—" She was interrupted by a quick peck from him. Already getting comfortable with the intimacy…

"Know what?" He asked.

"That as my significant other kissing is normal procedure!" A longer kiss, more than a peck on the lips is what she got in response to that. And he called her greedy.

"Glad to hear we're dating now, Nakiri. Wasn't so sure you were gonna admit to it." There was sincerity underlining his teasing, his smile bright. Ever so rude, that man. Erina didn't mind, however; it was because of him she turned out to have such a lovely birthday.


I've been writing this fic since 2021, I think? Life and other fandoms got to me! Thank you to the gang for not giving up on me, even though the running joke is that I only post every ten years. It for sure feels that way! I hope I can keep writing these two, I love them a lot. I got reminded to post when I got pinged on her bday march 23rd LOL

This isn't perfect, but I hope readers enjoy this fic and if you're waiting for updates for my other story...well I'm working on it, slower than a snail's pace...but I've never forgotten it I swear! I think this fic being posted now is proof of that, tbh with my posting in 2023...

Don't forget to favorite, review etc. i posted this on ao3 and forgot to post on this website...which is why this is WAAAY later in the year oof.. anyway!-rad